Lourdes Castro Ramirez’s Post

In the aftermath of a devastating tornado in 2011, Joplin, Missouri, faced unprecedented challenges, including a surge in homelessness. Recognizing the need for a comprehensive plan, the City contracted Sharity Global to develop a strategic roadmap. The Need: With much of Joplin's affordable housing destroyed, addressing homelessness became a priority. Sharity was engaged to develop a comprehensive plan, fostering input from citizens, organizations, and service providers. Our Approach: Through community-wide surveys, focus groups, ride-alongs, and interviews, Sharity is facilitating meaningful dialogue and community participation to create impactful solutions. The Result: Over 1,000 community members participated in surveys, and numerous focus groups and interviews were conducted. The project is actively progressing towards a final strategic plan. Join us in building a stronger, more inclusive community! Contact Sharity to learn how we can empower change in your city. #EndHomelessness #CommunityEngagement Learn more about our featured projects at: https://lnkd.in/d2WhVuAr

According to recent estimates, the number of homeless people in Houston was approximately 3,300 in 2023, with a significant percentage from the Black community. Despite this figure seeming small, it becomes alarming when considering the number of people accessing homeless services in 2021, which exceeded 21,000 in Harris, Fort Bend, and Montgomery counties. Notably, the rates of first-time homelessness are increasing, reflecting a profound socio-economic issue. Organizations such as Bread of Life, Inc., Coalition for the Homeless, A Caring Safe Place, and Hearts of Rescue, are making significant strides in addressing homelessness, providing assistance, and creating opportunities. The initiatives range from serving meals, aiding in healthcare access, providing housing, and running a transitional living facility, among other services. Yet, the gravity of this issue begs the question - are we doing enough to prevent homelessness? Read the full story by Aswad Walker from Word In Black at dallasweekly.com #Iamdw #blackpress #houstonhomelessness #communitysupport #homelessaid #fightingpoverty #helpingtheunhoused @wordinblacknews @chanzuckerberginitiative

In Charlotte, we're witnessing a critical challenge that touches the heart of our community — the rising tide of homelessness. This year, we're turning our focus toward understanding and addressing the complexities of housing instability in our city. Insights from the 2023 State of Housing Instability & Homelessness report by Mecklenburg County Community Support Services have been eye-opening: ⬆️ The count of individuals facing homelessness in our community is on the rise. ⬆️ An increase in the number of people experiencing homelessness without shelter. ⬆️ People are spending more time in emergency shelters than before. The availability of affordable rental options is dwindling. ⬆️ An increasing number of low- and moderate-income families are finding it hard to secure and maintain housing. ⬆️ The rate of evictions is climbing. Charlotte, we're curious to hear your thoughts. Were you aware of these issues? Do these findings surprise you? More importantly, how can we come together as a community to support those in need and find sustainable solutions to these challenges? Let's start the conversation and more importantly, let's start taking action. If you're ready to make a difference or want to learn more about our involvement and what you can do, let's talk. Together, we can make a change. #charlottecommunity #housinginstability #homelessnessawareness #takeaction #strataimpact

At TheCaseMade, we are big on practicing what we preach. This week, it's Dr. Tiffany Manuel's turn, in this great op-ed in her local paper. If you want the public to think differently about ending homelessness, you have to talk differently about ending homelessness. #reimaginehowjusticewins #thecasemade

🙏 A heartfelt thank you to all who participated in the Anchorage Point-in-Time Homelessness Count, from the volunteers who created care kits to organization partners who bundled up to help us count our unsheltered neighbors. A shoutout to the Anchorage Health Department, the Alaska VA Health Care System, Catholic Social Services - Alaska, Cook Inlet Tribal Council, Inc., Covenant House Alaska, Rural Alaska Community Action Program, Inc. and SALA, LLC, for spending time in the field with our outreach teams. Special thanks to those who are experiencing homelessness and took part. Your story and your voice matter! The efforts of our outreach teams help to capture a snapshot of the scale of homelessness in our city. What's Next? The data gathered is now on its way to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. This information serves as a barometer for the scope of homelessness in Anchorage and is used in conjunction with our regular data collection. The Point-In-Time Count helps with: 1️⃣ Understanding the magnitude of our challenges. 2️⃣ Informing effective policy-making. 3️⃣ Guiding strategic allocation of federal funding. 4️⃣ Shaping the deployment of local services and resources. 5️⃣ Tailoring solutions that directly address the needs of our unsheltered neighbors. As we await the results, we commit to keeping you informed and engaged. Stay tuned for updates and learn how you can continue to contribute to the cause. Your voice, your actions, and your commitment are the keystones in building a stronger, more supportive Anchorage for everyone. Let's continue our combined efforts to provide stability, security, and housing to every member of our community. #AnchorageHomelessnessCount2024 #CommunitySupport #RealChange #EndHomelessness #HUD #PointInTimeCount

In the Twin Cities, two noteworthy projects, the MACV Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans and Avivo Build Projects, through Lennar and Housing First Minnesota Foundation, have brought hope and transformation to the community. The goal is to impact the lives of those affected by homelessness significantly. Currently, 250 veterans are registered as homeless. To address this issue, 15 homes have been constructed so far, aiding in transitioning individuals out of homelessness. Looking ahead to 2025, the plan is to establish a campus comprising alternative dwelling units (ADUs). The envisioned campus could accommodate up to 30 ADUs, substantially contributing to the fight against homelessness. https://lnkd.in/g_v3sUFD

Yesterday the 100 in 100 initiative was launched in Grand Rapids. “An effort to house 100 individuals who are experiencing homelessness in 100 days with an intentional focus on chronic homelessness.” So encouraging to see this private/public partnership. Homelessness is a community-wide problem, and the entire community needs to be part of the solution. Grand Rapids Chamber City of Grand Rapids Mel Trotter Ministries Degage Ministries DeVos Family Foundation Dwelling Place Frey Foundation Heart of West Michigan United Way - Let's recognize every person has having inherent dignity and value. - Let's be proximate to others who are different than us. - Let's engage others with a posture of humility. - Let's seek first to understand, then to be understood. https://lnkd.in/eedUNWJX

In a landscape characterized by disconnection and isolation, partnership and collaboration are what drive successful outcomes.

In 2021, we committed to a transformation of our homelessness response system. We aligned investments to focus on reducing unsheltered homelessness. Together, the All Neighbors Coalition has reduced unsheltered homelessness by 24% since that system transformation began. Our next big milestone is a 50% reduction in unsheltered homelessness as compared to 2021 levels. If we stay the course with continued public and private investments in proven strategies for housing and support services, we can reach this goal by 2026. Together, we will make homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring in Dallas and Collin counties! #endhomelessness #Housingforward #allneighborscoalition

🚨 Urgent: Rising Homelessness in Connecticut 🚨 A recent report shows a significant increase in Connecticut's homeless population, highlighting the urgent need for affordable housing solutions. At Habitat for Humanity of North Central Connecticut, we are more committed than ever to addressing this crisis by helping families achieve safe, stable housing. We believe everyone deserves a place to call home. Through our programs, we are working tirelessly to build and renovate homes that offer hope and stability to those in need. But we can't do it alone—your support is crucial in making a difference. Learn more about the growing need and how you can help us combat homelessness in our community: https://lnkd.in/eseQeD_4 Together, we can build a future where everyone has a safe place to call home. 🏠 https://hfhncc.org/ . . . #HFHNCC #EndHomelessness #AffordableHousing #BuildingHope #CommunitySupport